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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

For the first time, I did not get to taste everything. There was just so much food!

I love Japanese food especially sushi and sashimi, so imagine my enthusiasm when I heard about The Bistro Group's new Japanese concept.

Watami is a casual resto that has hundreds of stores in Japan. Aside from boasting an extensive menu ranging from the traditional sushi to the more modern Jap dishes such as pizza, pepper rice and yakitori, Watami defies the conventional high-range prices of The Bistro Group.

With the vast amount of dishes laid out before us, I only got to taste some. It was literally plate after plate of different Japanese fare -- salads, sushi, ramen, tempura, hot pot and even pizza! Seriously, where would you even tuck 20 different dishes in your body?

I started with one of their unique drinks, the Apple Berry Soda (P195), which was not the best of choices. I was hungry and a cold splash of soda fizz sent my stomach growling in protest. In hindsight, I should have opted for one of their cold tea drinks like the Passionfruit Mango Tea.

Watami Salad (P350) and Sapporo Seafood Ramen Salad (P375)

Shrimp Tempura Roll (P225) and Deluxe Assorted Sushi (P395)

The Deluxe Assorted Sushi comprises a couple each of salmon, shrimp and scallop sushi. While I loved both the salmon and scallop, I wasn't as approving of the shrimp. They should have taken the tail off so as to avoid having to do it myself, when all I wanted was to have an uninterrupted series of bites. It may be more aesthetically pleasing to look at, but definitely a hassle to eat.

Assorted Sashimi (P425) and Salmon Sashimi (P225)

I cannot gush enough of how fresh the salmon tasted! I loved, loved, loved it! The pale orange flesh riddled with whitish lines was plump, soft and devoid of any fishy taste. The tuna and scallops were just as pleasant, but leave it to me to really favor the salmon above any other. Just looking at it again now is making me salivate. I think the shrimps or Ameabi sasahimi were supposed to be part of the group, albeit not to be found in the ceramic boat. Maybe they were out of stock; no matter, as I don't think I could swallow raw shrimps anyway.

Cold Soba (P195) and Stir Fried Udon with Seafood (P295)

The Cold Soba was a discovery. I detest cold non-dessert food so I was a bit skeptical about tasting it, yet the noodles were nice and firm to the bite. It reminded me of eating something healthy actually, but in a good way. I grabbed a heap with my chopsticks, dipped it into the savory soba soup, and slurped away as all ladylike manners went out the window.

The Tonpeiyaki and the Okonomiyaki were both really good and two of my favorites. The former omelette-like dish had pork, cheese, cabbage and egg, and zigzagged with mayo and cheese sauce (?); while the latter pancake-like dish consisted of assorted vegetables, meat and seafood in a sea of pancake batter, slathered with Japanese mayo and some sweet sauce, and topped with bonito flakes. Be warned, these dishes are heavy.

Beef Sukiyaki (P365) and Hokkaido Sumo Wrestler's Hot Pot (P380)

Bolognese Pizza (P315) and Pizza Topped with Teriyaki Chicken (P275)

I love eggs. I love breaking them and seeing that golden yolk ooze out. It sends shivers of excitement and anticipation throughout, and I can't wait until I taste it on my tongue. I was happy to see one here, and on top of a pizza at that. The Bolognese Pizza had a thin crust, its burnt edges emitted that freshly baked scent. Melted gooey cheese covered most of the toppings and a perfect yellow orb sat smack in the middle. Savory with a tiny hint of sweetness, this pizza is not to be missed.

The Crispy Chicken Wings were exactly that -- crisp and good. The Shrimp Tempura was your run-of-the-mill kind with a crisp and light batter. The Deep Fried Pork Cutlet was good enough, yet everything katsu seems to pale in comparison when you've taken a bite of Yabu's Kurobuta Pork Tonkatsu.

I see a whole lot of things I want to try on their menu despite just having this wonderful feast. Watami seems to be a melting pot of Japanese cuisine unlike other Japanese restaurants which focus only on a particular type of comestible -- ramen, sushi, yakitori, etc. I say all the more reason to visit it again and again.